Honey Bear Classic adapts for weather
Trending
BIG BAY -- This winter may be unusually warm, but that will not stop the Big Bay Pathway from hosting the 35th Honey Bear Classic. This annual ski event will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, and is open to all ages.
"Basically, we have decided to move forward with an event to celebrate trails, and to celebrate 35 years of coming together to celebrate trails," said Marcia Gonstead, a volunteer for the event. "What it is going to look like is dependent on what happens with the weather in the next week and a half."
If there is enough snow by the time of the event, the trails will be groomed and opened to skiers. Alternative activities are being planned in case the trails are not fit for skiing. If the weather remains warm, there will still be the traditional warming fire and "weeny roast" at the Pathway Trailhead at 1 p.m.
Also dependent on the weather is the kids' portion of the Honey Bear. The area's trails are connected to the Powell Township School, so kids can ski the Friday before the fundraiser.
Refreshments and hot soup will be provided starting at 2 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Inn. The Honey Bear "Jambearee" will start at 4 p.m. at the Inn with live performances from local and visiting musicians. In the past, specific musical groups were invited to play, but the event is now open to all.
"Last year and this year, we're opening it up as a 'Jambearee,' which is basically we're letting musicians know (to) come on down, kind of like an open mic idea," Gonstead said. "Bring some music, bring your instrument, join the circle, pass the music around, type of thing."
The Honey Bear Classic is a fundraiser for the trails of Powell Township in collaboration with the Noquemanon Trail Network. The event is also an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to support the businesses of Big Bay.
"It just really helps keep a town the size of Big Bay vibrant and viable year round," Gonstead said.
Besides the economic impact of the Honey Bear, it also serves as a celebration of community and the many outdoor recreation options available in the Big Bay area.
"I think that's the big thing is (to) celebrate gathering outside no matter the weather, and that's why we decided to keep forging forward with it," Gonstead said. "This year, no matter what the weather is, we're probably going to have embrace that things are just going to have to look different. And winter looks different."
The Honey Bear Classic is put on by volunteers every year, and this year it is sponsored by Eagle Mine.
Online registration is open until Feb. 16, 11:59 p.m. at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/BigBay/HoneyBearClassicFundraiser.
One can also register in person at the Thunder Bay Inn starting at noon on the day of the event. The cost of registration is $25 and all proceeds go to the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway, which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.
Watch for changes to the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigbaypathway.
Hannah Jenkins can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is hjenkins@miningjournal.net.